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Grammar fix

a fighting chance

a real but difficult possibility of success

a small but genuine possibility of achieving something, even though it will be very hard and success is not likely.

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Hear it in context

Notice where the phrase sounds natural.

  • If we start now, we still have a fighting chance of finishing the project on time.daily life
  • In my opinion, everyone deserves a fighting chance to succeed, regardless of their background.IELTS speaking

Fix the pattern

Pattern: have/give/stand a fighting chance (of + -ing/noun)

WrongWe have a fighting chance to win the case.

RightWe have a fighting chance of winning the case.

'A fighting chance OF -ing', not 'to'.

Patternhave/give/stand a fighting chance (of + -ing/noun)

Use it right

Choose the version that sounds natural in speech.

Stiff There is a small but genuine possibility that we will succeed.

Natural We've got a fighting chance.

'A fighting chance' carries 'small but real, and worth fighting for' in three words.

Build natural chunks

Words that usually travel with it.

  • give/have a fighting chance
    givehaveof winningat

Don't confuse it

Unlike 'a good chance' (which means a high probability), 'a fighting chance' suggests that success is possible but unlikely unless you put in a lot of effort.

Try it in Daily Speak →